Gilera XR-T600

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Gilera XR-T600

Make Model	Gilera XR-T600
Year	1988 -
Engine	Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves
Capacity	558 cc / 34.0 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	98 x 74 mm
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Compression Ratio	10.5:1
Induction	2x 30mm carburetor
Ignition	Electronic
Starting	Electric
Max Power	53 hp / 39.5 kW @ 7800 rpm
Max Torque	51 Nm / 37 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
Transmission / Drive	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Front Suspension	41mm Morzocchi forks
Front Wheel Travel	160 mm / 6.2 in
Rear Suspension	Boge shocks variable preload
Rear Wheel Travel	260 mm / 10.2 in
Front Brakes	Single 260mm disc
Rear Brakes	Single 220mm disc
Front Tyre	90/90 -21
Rear Tyre	130/80 -17
Wet Weight	190.0 kg / 418.9 lbs
Fuel Capacity	20 Litres / 5.2 US gal
Consumption Average	17.6 km/lit
Braking 60 - 0 / 100 - 0	14.6 m / 42.9 m
Standing ¼ Mile	14.1 sec / 145.3 km/h
Top Speed	161.9 km/h / 100 08 mph
Road Test	Adventure Group test Motosprint 1988

The XRT was everything the Dakota was not, with its 569cc (99 x 74mm) engine and low 150kg (3311b) weight (it was also built for the Italian market with the 348.8cc engine). Maximum power was now up to 47bhp at 7,000rpm and Gilera claimed 105mph(169km/h).

All the good features of the Dakota engine had been retained, although the hydraulically operated clutch had been abandoned in favour of a cable operated device.

Although the frame remained essentially the same, there was a new, stronger swinging-arm. The rear drum brake of the Dakota had been replaced by a 230mm disc, with the original 260mm disc up front retained. But with the benefit of a more efficient rear stopper, braking was noticeably improved.

The 3311b (150kg) weight was for the model without electric start. The same 180w alternator was used for both the electric- and non-electric-start versions of the XRT, but they came with nine and four-teen-amp hour batteries respectively.

In the styling department the XRT was a generation ahead of the Dakota, even though a mere two years before the latter had been a real head-turner. The XRT simply looked stunning with its flowing bodywork, upswept single silencer, twin headlamp fairing, and massive sump shield/fairing enveloping the bottom end of the engine. However much you might have

The XRT 600 was a definite improvement over the 350/500 Dakota, with its more torquey 569cc (99 x 74mm) engine and superior power-to-weight ratio. There was also an Italian-market 350 version.

admired the Dakota, the XRT just looked that much better. It was also a better bike where it counted, out on the street or trail, with its improved performance, superior power-to-weight ratio, better braking and improved riding position. Viewed from every angle it was an excellent motorcycle.